Meet the H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds: First Thoughts
For years, my trusty Remington 700 BDL in short action has been a consistent performer, but the original hinged floorplate always felt a bit dated, especially when quick magazine changes or adherence to specific low-capacity regulations became a priority. I found myself often wishing for the convenience of a detachable magazine, a feature common on many modern rifles but notably absent from my classic build. This led me to search for a reliable conversion kit. After some deliberation, I settled on the H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds. Initial impressions upon unboxing were positive; the unit felt solid, with a well-finished black teflon coating on the stainless steel components, giving it a robust and purposeful look. It seemed like a straightforward upgrade, a significant improvement over the internal box magazine with its fixed capacity and less convenient reloading process. I briefly considered some less reputable aftermarket options, but the H-S Precision name carried weight for quality and precision. My first reaction was one of anticipation, eager to see if this conversion would truly enhance the rifle’s functionality.
Real-World Testing: Putting H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial installation of the H-S Precision detachable magazine assembly took place on my workshop bench, followed by a trip to the local outdoor range. The swap was surprisingly smooth, requiring only basic tools and minimal fuss. I loaded the included 3-round magazine, which, depending on the specific caliber, can actually accommodate up to four rounds; for my .308 Win, it was a solid three rounds. The magazine clicked into place with satisfying authority, and the release lever felt crisp and positive. During my range session, I cycled several magazines, testing the feeding reliability. The transition from my rifle’s original fixed magazine was seamless, with no hangups or feeding issues encountered even during rapid fire. Conditions were fair, with cool temperatures and a light breeze, and the assembly performed flawlessly without any adjustments or complications.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months and numerous range days, this H-S Precision conversion has proven its mettle. It’s become my go-to setup for most shooting scenarios, from casual target practice to more involved tactical training exercises where a lower round count is preferred or mandated. The durability has been impressive; despite being handled frequently and subjected to the rigors of being carried in various weather conditions, there are no signs of significant wear. The teflon coating remains intact, and the internal mechanisms are still smooth and responsive. Cleaning is straightforward, typically involving a quick wipe-down of the magazine and the receiver area, with no specialized tools required. Compared to the factory floorplate, the convenience offered by this detachable magazine system is night and day, vastly improving efficiency and practicality.
Breaking Down the Features of H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds
Specifications
The H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds kit includes a new Pro Series Floor Metal and one stainless steel, teflon-coated black magazine box. This particular model is designed for the Remington 700 Short Action and boasts a low capacity of 3-4 rounds, depending on the specific caliber. The external dimensions of the replacement floor metal are identical to the factory hinged floor plate, facilitating a direct drop-in replacement with minimal to no inletting required. This is a crucial aspect, as it ensures compatibility without requiring extensive firearm modification. The black color and durable coating offer both aesthetic appeal and practical protection against the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this kit is to convert a fixed-magazine Remington 700 BDL into a reliable detachable magazine system, and it excels at this. Feeding is consistently smooth, whether you’re loading a single round or topping off the magazine. The 3-4 round capacity is ideal for applications where a reduced capacity is beneficial, such as certain hunting scenarios, competitive shooting disciplines, or when adhering to specific legal requirements. I’ve found that the magazine box feeds cartridges chamber-ready, without any tendency for rounds to nose-dive or fail to feed. The release mechanism is intuitive and positive, allowing for quick magazine changes without fumbling, which is a significant upgrade over manipulating the factory floorplate for loading.
Design & Ergonomics
H-S Precision has clearly put thought into the design of this conversion. The Pro Series Floor Metal has a refined profile that integrates seamlessly with the Remington 700 action. The stainless steel construction offers excellent corrosion resistance, while the teflon coating provides a slick surface that aids in smooth magazine insertion and extraction, as well as offering a degree of scratch resistance. The overall build quality feels substantial; there are no sharp edges or loose components. The ergonomics of the magazine release are well-placed and provide a tactile confirmation when the magazine is seated or released, which is vital for confident operation under pressure. It feels like a premium upgrade rather than a mere functional necessity.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my extended use, the durability of the H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds is exceptional. The teflon-coated stainless steel resists corrosion and wear remarkably well, even after being exposed to dust, light moisture, and frequent handling. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a light application of lubricant on the magazine follower and the floorplate area is usually all that’s needed to keep it functioning optimally. Disassembly for deeper cleaning of the magazine itself is also straightforward, typically involving a small set screw or detent. I haven’t encountered any significant wear points or potential failure points that would give me pause.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit itself comes with the floor metal and one magazine box of 3-4 round capacity. While this particular package focuses on a low-capacity setup, H-S Precision does offer additional magazine boxes in various capacities, which is a significant advantage for users who might want to expand their options. For instance, if you are in a situation where a slightly higher capacity is occasionally useful, you can purchase a separate, larger capacity magazine box. Beyond the magazine availability, this conversion kit is an integrated part of the rifle itself, so customization is generally limited to the rifle’s stock and other components. However, the ability to swap between different H-S Precision magazine boxes offers a degree of functional customization.
Pros and Cons of H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds
Pros
- Seamless Conversion: Effortlessly transforms a fixed-magazine Remington 700 BDL into a modern detachable magazine system.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel components with a teflon coating ensure excellent longevity and corrosion resistance.
- Reliable Feeding: The magazine box consistently feeds rounds without issues.
- Drop-In Fit: External dimensions are identical to the factory floor plate, minimizing installation effort and the need for inletting.
- Low Capacity Advantage: The 3-4 round capacity is ideal for specific hunting or regulatory scenarios.
- Positive Magazine Release: The release mechanism is crisp and secure, allowing for quick and confident mag changes.
- Manufacturer Reputation: H-S Precision is known for high-quality firearm components.
Cons
- Price Point: The initial investment can be higher than basic replacement floor plates.
- Limited Included Capacity: The kit includes only one 3-4 round magazine box, necessitating additional purchases for more capacity or spares.
- Short Action Specific: This model is exclusively for short action Remington 700s, limiting its application to compatible rifles.
Who Should Buy H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds?
This conversion kit is an excellent choice for any owner of a Remington 700 BDL in a short action who desires the convenience and functionality of a detachable magazine. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who prefer or are required to use a lower round count for ethical reasons, or those who simply want faster and easier reloads. Precision shooters who participate in disciplines that mandate limited magazine capacity will also find this kit invaluable. For individuals looking to modernize a classic rifle without extensive gunsmithing, this is a prime candidate.
Anyone who does not own a Remington 700 short action, or who is perfectly content with the original fixed floorplate and its inherent limitations, would likely not benefit from this product. Users seeking higher magazine capacities out-of-the-box might also prefer to look at other options, or factor in the cost of purchasing additional magazine boxes. A highly recommended complementary item would be an additional 3-4 round magazine box for practice or competition, and perhaps a dedicated soft pouch or sleeve to protect the magazine when not in use.
Conclusion on H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds
The H-S Precision Remington 700 BDL Detachable Magazine Assembly, Short Action, 3-4 Rounds is a superb upgrade for those looking to enhance their classic Remington 700 rifle. It successfully bridges the gap between old-world design and modern functionality, offering a robust, reliable, and convenient solution. The quality of materials and precision manufacturing are evident, providing peace of mind that this component will serve for years to come. While the initial cost is a consideration, the value derived from the enhanced usability, durability, and the reputation of H-S Precision more than justifies the investment. I would wholeheartedly recommend this conversion to any compatible Remington 700 owner seeking a practical and high-quality improvement. If you value ease of use and reliable performance in a low-capacity setup, this kit is a clear winner.